Mark Carney, former central banker, has been elected as Canada's Prime Minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Carney secured 85.9% of the Liberal Party vote, emphasizing a commitment to diversify trade relations, notably with India. He aims to rebuild strained ties with India, advocating for shared values in commercial relationships. Carney's experience with Brookfield Asset Management, which has significant investments in India, positions him favorably to enhance bilateral economic and strategic connections. His leadership marks a potential shift in Canada's foreign policy, focusing on strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations amidst global economic uncertainties. (PC: News18)

Mark Carney's Liberal Party is set to form a minority government in Canada, signaling a potential reset in strained India-Canada relations. Carney emphasizes diversifying trade ties, identifying India as a key opportunity. However, his administration plans to cap immigration, including international students and temporary workers, to under 5% of Canada's population by 2027, down from 7.3%. Permanent resident admissions will stabilize below 1% annually beyond 2027. These measures aim to address housing and infrastructure challenges. For Indian students, who constitute a significant portion of Canada's international student community, this could mean stricter visa regulations and limited opportunities, despite Carney's intent to strengthen bilateral trade and diplomatic ties. (PC: India Today & Rediff)

At the United Nations, India labeled Pakistan a "rogue state" following Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's admission of supporting terrorist groups. Indian envoy Yojna Patel highlighted this confession during a UN session, emphasizing Pakistan's history of training and funding terrorists. She referenced the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, marking it as the deadliest since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Patel criticized Pakistan for misusing the UN platform to propagate baseless allegations against India and stressed the global community's need to recognize Pakistan's role in fueling terrorism. India also expressed appreciation for international support post-Pahalgam and underscored the importance of initiatives like the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) to support terrorism victims.

India has scaled back its demand for increased UK work visas for IT and healthcare professionals in ongoing free trade negotiations, agreeing to a modest annual quota of 100 additional visas. This concession follows British concerns over net migration. While the mobility chapter of the deal is finalized, India is now focusing on securing exemptions from UK national insurance contributions for short-term Indian workers, arguing they already contribute to Indian pension schemes. Additionally, India is challenging the UK's proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism, which could impose taxes on high-emission imports like steel and cement starting in 2027. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is addressing these issues during his visits to London and Brussels. (PC: X/Piyush Goyal)

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), announced his resignation after losing his seat in the recent federal election. Overcome with emotion, Singh addressed supporters, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and acknowledging the party's electoral setbacks. His departure marks the end of an era for the NDP, which faced significant challenges during the campaign. Singh's leadership tenure was characterized by advocacy for social justice and progressive policies. The NDP will now undergo a leadership transition as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its role in Canadian politics. Singh's resignation underscores the shifting political landscape following the election results. (PC: The Tribune)

Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, Pakistan has repositioned radar systems to forward locations in the Sialkot sector, anticipating potential Indian airstrikes. Electronic warfare units have also been deployed near the Ferozepur sector to monitor Indian movements. A TPS-77 radar site was recently established at Chor Cantonment, 58 km from the international border. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described an Indian military strike as "imminent." Ceasefire violations continue for the fifth day along the Line of Control, with Pakistani forces initiating unprovoked firing in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor sectors, prompting retaliatory action from the Indian Army. (PC: PTI & NDTV)

Pakistan has violated the ceasefire agreement for the fifth consecutive night, targeting Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, Kupwara, and Akhnoor sectors. The unprovoked firing involved mortars and small arms, prompting a strong retaliation from the Indian Army. These repeated violations have heightened tensions in the region, with concerns over civilian safety and potential escalations. The Indian Army remains vigilant, ensuring the security of the affected areas and responding appropriately to maintain peace and order. (PC: The Conversation & The Taiwan Times)

India sharply criticized Pakistan at the UN, labeling it a “rogue state” that fuels global terrorism, following the Pahalgam attack where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. Ambassador Yojna Patel highlighted Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s public confession about Islamabad’s role in training and funding terrorists. India condemned Pakistan’s misuse of the UN platform for spreading propaganda. At the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VOTAN), India stressed the need to support terrorism victims globally. In response to the attack, India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and suspended the Indus Water Treaty, underscoring the need for global acknowledgment of Pakistan’s destabilizing actions.

A 21-year-old Indian student, Vanshika Saini, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Ottawa, Canada, after going missing on April 25. The daughter of Aam Aadmi Party leader Davinder Saini, Vanshika had left home around 9 PM to look for rental accommodation and never returned. Her phone was switched off, and she failed to appear for an exam, prompting concern. Friends, alarmed by her absence, reported her missing, leading to a police search. Her body was later discovered near a beach. The High Commission of India in Ottawa confirmed the investigation is ongoing and they are in contact with Vanshika’s family. (PC: OICA - Ottawa Indo-Canadians Association/Facebook)

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, where Hindu brothers were killed, alleging Pakistan’s intent to incite Hindu-Muslim riots. He stated that terrorist groups, backed by Pakistan’s deep state, aimed to deter non-Muslims from visiting Kashmir. Demanding Pakistan's inclusion in the FATF grey list, Owaisi also urged for cyber, naval, and air force countermeasures. Criticizing Pakistan’s past denials of terror links, he emphasized the need for accountability from the Indian government and warned against targeting Kashmiris, who he said are the worst sufferers. He also took a jibe at Bilawal Bhutto, referencing his mother Benazir Bhutto’s assassination by terrorists, asserting that terrorism affects all communities equally. (PC: The New Indian Express)